Sun Devils QB Jayden Daniels named a semifinalist for freshman of the year
Dec 23, 2019, 11:37 AM
Quarterback Jayden Daniels #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils scrambles with the football against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jayden Daniels was named a semifinalist on Monday for a national freshman of the year honor.
The award is from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and is the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award, given to the “most outstanding freshman player” in the FBS.
Daniels is one of seven semifinalists, joining UNC quarterback Sam Howell, Miami defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau, USC quarterback Kedon Slovis, LSU defensive back Derek Stingley Jr., Memphis running back Kenneth Gainwell and Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari.
The true freshman just came off of a season in which he threw for 2,748 yards, which is a school record for freshmen, passing Rudy Carpenter’s 2,273. He was the third freshman in school history to win his first career start and owns five of the 12 300+ yard passing performances by freshmen in ASU history.
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This year, Daniels’ 2,748 yards came on a 62.3% completion rate, resulting in 17 touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed 113 times for 319 yards and three scores.
Daniels’ 106.2 quarterback rating is 22nd in the country, and he has a streak of 129 passing attempts without an interception — the fifth-longest streak in the country.
Daniels was also recently named to ESPN’s freshman All-American squad.
The field of semifinalists will be narrowed to three finalists on Jan. 1. The winner will be announced on Jan. 13.
